500.A15a4/8
The British Embassy to the Department of State91
Mr. Henderson is greatly disappointed at the unwillingness of the United States Government to allow an American to serve as a Vice President for the forthcoming Disarmament Conference and to take part with his colleagues in the preparatory activities. He fears that without this cooperation it will be impossible to get things moving so as to hold the Conference in the winter of 1931–1932. The great powers of Europe are so deeply and directly concerned in all the most delicate problems that will arise that the appointment of any of their nationals seems impossible; but this difficulty does not apply to the United States and Mr. Henderson had hoped that the services of an American might be secured. The comparative remoteness of America from these problems would also ensure the impartial character of the preparatory work to be accomplished; and it is hardly necessary to emphasize not only that impartiality must be ensured, but also that other powers must have the conviction that it is ensured.
Without preparation the proceedings of the Conference when it meets will be chaotic, and the task of the President and Vice Presidents to be appointed will be that of preparation only. There is no intention that they should over persuade this or that Government on questions of vital policy—nothing but the major forces of world opinion, to the formation of which America contributes so largely, can avail to do this. Their work will be that of making general arrangements for the working of the conference and they will collect and collate the various data. But doubtless in the course of their activities they might try to promote any possible measure of agreement between different Powers, and occasions might arise when, [Page 481] acting as intermediaries, they might be able to render invaluable services.
They would not act as the representatives of their own governments as such, but rather as outstanding personalities in the world of foreign politics, working disinterestedly in a great cause. In the organization of League Conferences and such like a procedure of this sort has often been adopted. At the same time it would obviously be impossible for the Council of the League to invite the cooperation of a United States Citizen without the acquiescence of his Government.
It is earnestly hoped that in the light of these explanations the Secretary of State may find it possible to reconsider the views previously expressed.
- Handed to the Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs by the British Ambassador, January 10, 1931.↩